Aunt Chang returned the courtesy to Zhou Shaojin and the others with both respect and composure.
The accompanying young eunuch handed over a sapphire blue printed cotton bundle.
Was this all of Aunt Chang’s possessions?!
Zhou Shaojin and Qiu Shi exchanged glances. Qiu Shi said, “Usually household matters are managed by Nanny Zeng, who once served Second Aunt. We’ve only just arrived ourselves, and Second Uncle has fallen ill… Aunt Chang, why don’t you come with us to the flower hall and sit? Once I summon Nanny Zeng to clarify things, we can properly arrange your accommodation.”
Aunt Chang performed a curtsy and said, “Thank you for your trouble, Second Madam.”
Only external noblewomen of third rank and above were qualified to be addressed as “Madam.” Although such formalities weren’t observed outside the capital, in the capital where a falling plaque might strike a vice minister or assistant minister, there was great emphasis on rank.
Cheng Wei had only recently been posted outside the capital, and like Zhou Shaojin, Qiu Shi’s imperial appointment hadn’t come through yet.
She quickly said, “You’re too kind, Aunt. My maiden name is Qiu. If you don’t mind, just call me Madam Qiu.”
Aunt Chang readily complied, calling her “Madam Qiu” with a tone of joy that only those who had served in the palace could express.
To become a senior palace maid in the Qianqing Palace and still not be released at such an advanced age—she was certainly no ordinary person.
Though she was courteous, Zhou Shaojin and Qiu Shi dared not be negligent. Qiu Shi accompanied Aunt Chang to the flower hall while Zhou Shaojin led Ah Bao, Ah Ren, and Cheng Xiao toward the inner courtyard.
The place where Cheng Shao lived wasn’t large but was planted throughout with various types of bamboo. When the wind blew, they rustled, conveying a sense of cool detachment.
No one felt like talking, and the two children gripped Zhou Shaojin’s hands even more tightly.
Greeting them at the entrance were Cheng Shao’s two boy servants, aged eight or nine, with refined features and clear, pleasant voices. They bowed to them and said, “Second Old Master says it’s merely that being advanced in years, his energy is insufficient. He asks the madams and aunts not to worry. Fearing he might pass his illness to the madams and aunts, there’s no need to go in and pay respects. He asks that I lead Young Master Ah Bao and Young Master Ah Ren in to see him briefly.”
Originally the female relatives would need to maintain distance, coming only to pay respects through a screen. Since Cheng Shao had instructed this, they naturally wouldn’t go against his wishes. They curtsied at the entrance, and several people went to the side chamber. The boy servant led Ah Bao and Ah Ren into Cheng Shao’s bedroom.
Before long, Cheng Chi, having seen off the eunuchs, arrived.
After Cheng Xiao and the others paid their respects, the couple Zhou Shaojin stood by the bamboo grove in the courtyard to talk. “What does His Majesty mean by this? Second Uncle is ill, yet His Majesty sends him an aunt who served in the palace—isn’t this adding chaos to Yuqian Lane? Do you know this Aunt Chang’s background?”
Cheng Chi, however, was unconcerned. He said, “It’s fine. This Aunt Chang was originally a maid when His Majesty was still a prince. After His Majesty ascended the throne, she’s been serving with writing materials in the Qianqing Palace. She’s a sensible person. I was also surprised when His Majesty bestowed her upon Second Uncle this time. Second Uncle often accompanies His Majesty playing chess in the Qianqing Palace, so they’re already acquainted. We just need to take good care of her. As for other matters, we’ll discuss them after Second Uncle recovers. We’ll need to enter the palace to express gratitude in any case.”
“As long as she’s sensible, that’s good,” Zhou Shaojin said with relief. “Knowing what can and cannot be done.”
Cheng Chi nodded and smiled. “Even if she doesn’t understand, it doesn’t matter. Now that she’s been bestowed upon Second Uncle, she’s Second Uncle’s person, and naturally someone will teach her.”
But wouldn’t it be better if everyone could get along harmoniously?!
Zhou Shaojin grumbled inwardly.
Cheng Chi asked about Yun Ge’er: “You came over and left him alone at home—is he making a fuss? Did he cry?”
“He has Guan Ge and Zhong Ge’er to play with him,” Zhou Shaojin said. Remembering how when she left, she had kissed her son’s little face to say goodbye but he ignored her completely, focused entirely on watching Guan Ge and Zhong Ge’er, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. “As long as he has his big brothers to play with, he doesn’t need me at all.”
“That’s good then,” Cheng Chi smiled. “The two of us will probably need to attend to his illness here for the next few days. I’m afraid Yun Ge’er will have to trouble his aunt for a few days.”
“My sister already said so when I left,” Zhou Shaojin said. “If we’re too busy here, she’ll help take care of Yun Ge’er for a few days.”
Cheng Chi nodded as Old Madam Guo, Cheng Jing, and Yuan Shi arrived.
The couple went forward to meet them.
Both Old Madam Guo and Yuan Shi wore formal court dress, their phoenix crowns studded with various precious stones weighing heavily on their heads all day. Having also attended the mourning rites, both showed signs of exhaustion on their faces.
Cheng Jing’s spirits were better, though he wasn’t as neat as usual.
Old Madam Guo immediately asked about Yun Ge’er. Learning that Zhou Chujin was watching him at home, she breathed a long sigh of relief.
Cheng Jing, looking anxious, asked Cheng Chi, “How did Second Uncle suddenly collapse? Is he truly all right?”
Sometimes the Imperial Medical Bureau’s physicians would “appropriately” conceal conditions to avoid angering the Emperor.
Cheng Chi said, “I’ve checked Second Uncle’s pulse myself. There’s nothing wrong.”
The group headed toward the main room.
Cheng Chi told them that the Emperor had bestowed an aunt who served in the Qianqing Palace to care for Cheng Shao.
The three were dumbstruck.
Yuan Shi quickly said, “Where is she?” Not seeing Qiu Shi, she added, “Is Second Sister-in-law accompanying her?”
Zhou Shaojin said, “Second Sister-in-law is with her in the flower hall.”
“How can this be?” Yuan Shi said. “After all, she was bestowed by His Majesty…”
Old Madam Guo interrupted her: “First go see your Second Uncle. Your Second Uncle isn’t a child—he’ll arrange his own people himself.”
Yuan Shi respectfully agreed, and everyone entered the main room.
Zhou Shaojin and Yuan Shi accompanied Old Madam Guo to sit on the large kang by the window outside the inner chamber, while Cheng Chi accompanied Cheng Jing into the inner room.
Shortly after, Zhou Shaojin and the others heard Ah Bao and Ah Ren greeting Cheng Jing, followed by Cheng Jing’s surprised voice: “Second Uncle… You, you…”
Zhou Shaojin and the others’ hearts clenched, then they heard Cheng Shao say calmly, “I’m just somewhat tired, nothing else wrong. When you enter the palace tomorrow, bring Fourth along and have him express gratitude to His Majesty on my behalf.”
Cheng Jing was silent for a moment before answering “Yes” in a low voice.
Cheng Shao then said, “I’m fine now. You all go attend to your business. Coming to see me is enough. The imperial physician said I need to rest quietly these days.” Then he spoke of Aunt Chang: “Since she was bestowed by His Majesty, let her serve me. We mustn’t disappoint His Majesty’s kind intentions.”
Cheng Jing dully agreed “Fine.” Uncle and nephews exchanged a few more words about arrangements at Yuqian Lane, then Cheng Chi and Cheng Jing emerged with Ah Bao and Ah Ren.
Zhou Shaojin quickly took the two children’s hands. Gu Xu arrived, followed by Cheng Xu with Min Jia, and then Cheng Rang…
Old Madam Guo and the others moved to rest in the east wing. To Nanny Zeng who came to pay respects, she said, “There will probably be people coming to visit the sick in the next couple days. Go ask that Aunt Chang whether we need to prepare a standing banquet here at Yuqian Lane to feed visiting relatives and friends.”